1988 Bush decides not to run

[redcommander]

Hey so I was thinking of starting a timeline where Bush decides not to run in 88 and the field for president is a lot more interesting. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas for the scenarios that should play out?

[Dancing with Myself]

The race would be more interesting. What about the Democrats?

[redcommander]

The race would be more interesting. What about the Democrats?

I would probably have a more open field since Bush wouldn't be running. Is there anyone or anything that anyone thinks should be included before I start?

[tmthforu94]

Nancy Kassebaum.

[Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey]

Kemp will run.

[redcommander]

February 17th, 1987

With growing concern of the possible role the Iran-Contra Scandal may play in the 1988 Presidential Election, combined with fears that his health will tarnish, Vice President Bush announces at a press conference with President Reagan that he will not seek the presidency.

Speculation then turn to the presidential field which now is expected to expand significantly without an incumbent running.

Republicans that have announced running
Former Governor Pete DuPont of Delaware

Speculated Republican Candidates
Senator Pete Wilson of California
Governor John Sununu of New Hampshire
Senator Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas
Representative Jack Kemp of New York
Former United Nations Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick of Oklahoma
Governor James Martin of North Carolina
Former Governor Vic Atiyeh of Oregon
Representative Trent Lott of Mississippi
Former Secretary of State Alexander Haig of Pennsylvania
Former Senator Paul Laxalt of Nevada
Governor George Deukmejian of California
Governor Arch Moore, Jr. of West Virginia
Governor Bob Martinez of Florida

Speculated Democratic Candidates
Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas
Senator Gary Hart of Colorado
Governor Madeline Kunin of Vermont
Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia
Former Mayor of San Francisco Dianne Feinstein of California
Former Governor Richard Riley of South Carolina
Senator Joe Biden of Delaware
Reverend Jesse Jackson of South Carolina
Former Representative Geraldine Ferraro of New York
Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey
Representative John Dingell of Michigan
Senator David Boren of Oklahoma
Governor Mario Cuomo of New York

[CPT MikeyMike]

With Bush not running, the front runners are probably Bob Dole and Jack Kemp. I also think Paul Laxalt might actually have a good shot at the nomination. He close relationship with Reagan might have convinced Reagan to endorse Laxalt during the primaries and that might have been enough for Laxalt to clinch the nomination. I could see either a Laxalt/Kemp ticket or a Laxalt/Thomas Kean ticket

I really can't see much of a change for the Democrats. Dukakis/Bentsen is probably the ticket.

[Dancing with Myself]

For the Republicans i would like to see Jim Martin run, as for the Dems either Clinton or Gore Running

[redcommander]

February 24th, 1987

Former Governor Vic Atiyeh announces he will run for President



"I do not believe ideology is a substitute for policy. Republicans need policy ideas to go along with our core principals to address the everyday economic and social concerns facing the United States. Too often, we rely on the ideological slogans of "smaller government" or "traditional values" to define our answers to complex problems, without addressing the core of such difficulties. I hope to change that."

February 25th, 1987

Senator Gary Hart of Colorado announces he will not run for President.

Republican Senator Bob Dole states he will not run for President citing the importance currently of issues in the Senate.

[redcommander]

February 28th, 1987

Former Mayor Dianne Feinstein of San Francisco announces she will run for President.



"The freedom of a people to choose its leaders is the root of liberty. In a world where political strife is too often settled with violence, we come here every four years to bestow the power of the presidency upon our democratically elected leader. Those who doubt the supremacy of the ballot over the bullet can never diminish the power engendered by nonviolent struggles for justice and equality. Today I announce my candidacy for President of the United States, and with my announcement it is with great hope that we as a nation can further build upon the greatness endeavored by our forefathers and our creator, and move forward with the creation of a society that is fair and open for opportunity for all."

February 30th, 1987

Governor Mario Cuomo announces he will not run for President.

March 3rd, 1987

Governor James Martin of North Carolina announces he will run for President.



Senator Joe Biden announces he will not run for the Presidency.

March 4th, 1987

Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey announces he will run for President.



"A Different Campaign. It Can Happen. That’s why I promised myself -- and I promise you -- that my campaign won’t be politics as usual. I want my campaign to give you reasons why you should vote for me -- not reasons why you shouldn’t vote for someone else. I’m trying to run a different campaign. One that focuses on issues, not attacks. I’m traveling around the country telling voters who I am, what I believe, and what I plan to do if elected. I’m focusing on fewer issues, but ones that affect more of us, and ones that we can really do something about. Sometimes you’ll agree with me; sometimes you won’t. But you’ll always know exactly where I stand. And I want to know where you stand. I welcome your ideas, your questions, and your encouragement!"

[Conservative frontier]

Kemp-Laxalt '88!

[Dancing with Myself]

Martin/Dole 88

[redcommander]

March 6th, 1987

Former Representative Ron Paul of Texas announces he is running for President.



In an unexpected move, Dr. Ron Paul of Texas declares he will run for the Republican nomination for President.

"My concerns for the future of our country are deeply held. The Republican Party has floundered in its effort to shrink the size of government and restore our constitutional republic.

Instead, in recent years our deficits have exploded, entitlements are out of control, and our personal liberties are threatened. We have embarked on a dangerous and expensive foreign policy, acting as the world's policeman and nation builder.

Very simply, we no longer can afford the extravagance of this ever growing and intrusive government, both at home and abroad. We merely need to respect and follow the rule of law – the U.S. Constitution – and elect leaders determined to stand firm in its defense."

That same day, Governor George Deukmejian and Senator Pete Wilson of California both announce they will not be seeking the nomination for President.

March 9th, 1987

Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas will run for President.



"This must be a campaign of ideas, not slogans. We don't need another President who doesn't know what he wants to do for America. I'm going to tell you in plain language what I intend to do as President. How we can meet the challenges we face - that's the test for all the Democratic candidates in this campaign. Americans know what we're against Let's show them what we're for.
We need a new covenant to rebuild America. It's just common sense. Government's responsibility is to create more opportunity. The people's responsibility is to make the most of it."

[redcommander]

March 17th, 1987

Senator Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas announces she will not run for President.

March 23rd, 1987

Former United Nations Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick will run for President.



March 29th, 1987

Representative Jack Kemp of New York announces he will run for President.



"I'm running for President because I want to challenge America -- as no other candidate will challenge America -- to reach our highest ideals and greatest potential. I believe in a future of unlimited and boundless opportunity for all Americans."

[RosettaStoned]

Paul '88!

[redcommander]

April 2nd, 1987

Jesse Jackson announces a run for President.



The same day Senator David Boren and Former Representative Geraldine Ferraro rule out presidential runs.

April 5th, 1987

Senator Sam Nunn announces a run for President.



April 8th, 1987

Former Senator Paul Laxalt announces he is running for President.
The same day Representative Dick Gephardt of Missouri announces he is running as well.

[California8429]

Alan Keyes would run

[redcommander]

Aprill 11th, 1987

Former Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council Alan Keyes announces he will run for President.

[tmthforu94]

Alan Keyes in `88!
For America's Sake!

[redcommander]

April 14th, 1987

Governor John Sununu announces he will run for President.

April 16th, 1987

Governor Michael Dukakis and Former Secretary of State Alexander Haig announce they will not seek the presidency.

April 18th, 1987

Senators Lloyd Bentsen and Al Gore both announce they will seek the Democratic Presidential nomination.

[#CriminalizeSobriety]

John Sununu is ineligible.

I was going to back Laxalt, but when I saw that Paul declared my vote has to go to him.

[justW353]

John Sununu is ineligible.

I was going to back Laxalt, but when I saw that Paul declared my vote has to go to him.

Weren't both of his parents American citizens?

George Romney was born in Mexico, but was eligible because his parents were US citizens (I think).

The whole "natural-born citizen" term is very confusing.

[#CriminalizeSobriety]

John Sununu is ineligible.

I was going to back Laxalt, but when I saw that Paul declared my vote has to go to him.

Weren't both of his parents American citizens?

George Romney was born in Mexico, but was eligible because his parents were US citizens (I think).

The whole "natural-born citizen" term is very confusing.

His father was a US citizen, but it's not clear if his mother was at the time of his birth.

[redcommander]

April 22nd, 1987

Senator Pat Moynihan of New York announces he will run for President.
The same day Former Governor Bruce Babbitt of Arizona announces he will run for President.

April 27th, 1987

Former Governor Richard Riley of South Carolina announces he will run for President.
The same day, Representative Trent Lott announces he will run for President.

The Presidential field appears to be set at this time.

Republican Candidates
Former Governor Pete DuPont of Delaware
Former United Nations Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick of Oklahoma
Representative Jack Kemp of New York
Former Governor Vic Atiyeh of Oregon
Representative Trent Lott of Mississippi
Governor James Martin of North Carolina
Former Representative Ron Paul of Texas
Governor John Sununu of New Hampshire
Former Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council Alan Keyes of New York
Former Senator Paul Laxalt of Nevada

Democratic Candidates
Former Mayor of San Francisco Dianne Feinstein of California
Senator Al Gore of Tennessee
Reverend Jessee Jackson of South Carolina
Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York
Representative Dick Gephardt of Missouri
Former Governor Richard Riley of South Carolina
Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia
Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey
Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas
Former Governor Bruce Babbitt of Arizona
Senator Lloyd Benston of Texas

[redcommander]

Without an incumbent running for the Republican side, their chances of holding onto the White House has become increasingly complicated. President Reagan who just three years earlier was elected by one of the largest mandates in American history, has now seen his poll numbers drop significantly back into the 40's with concern over his administration's actions in the Iran-Contra Scandal. The Democratic Party has regained steam after their success in the 1986 Midterms, and party leaders are increasingly optimistic of regaining the White House in 1988. A goal presently for them is to search for a fresh candidate that can regain the votes of Reagan Democrats, and help expand the party beyond the ideals of the New Deal/Great Society. Several have currently been dubbed frontrunners by media outlets. Dianne Feinstein has been noted for her centrist policy decisions as Mayor of San Francisco, while also successfully bringing her city back together in the aftermath of the murders of Harvey Milk and George Moscone. Senator Lloyd Benston has been a common fixture in Washington politics, and has a wide variety of policy knowledge and experience. Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas is another name recognized for his well received speech at the Democratic National Convention of 1980, and is noted for his work with home property tax exemption, educational reform, and infrastructure improvements in his state. Jesse Jackson hopes to expand upon his success in 1984, by his intent to create a "Rainbow Coalition", and has been noted for his outspoken condemnation of the United States's leniency towards the Apartheid regime in South Africa, and his intent to create a single-payer healthcare system if elected. Another frontrunner, Senator Al Gore of Tennessee according to CNN, is "A Southern centrist, [who] opposed federal funding for abortion. He favored a moment of silence for prayer in the schools and voted against banning the interstate sale of handguns." A favorite of his party's liberal wing, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan has made a name for himself for such bold policy decisions as criticizing the Reagan administration's hawkish Cold War policy decisions, opposing the death penalty, and work with environmental issues under the Nixon administration.

A Washington Post/ABC News Poll released May 14th, shows the state of the Democratic field presently.

If the Presidential Primary/Caucus in your state was held today, who would you vote for?

Lloyd Bensten 17%
Pat Moynihan 15%
Dianne Feinstein 14%
Jesse Jackson 11%
Bill Clinton 9%
Al Gore 7%
Dick Gephardt 5%
Sam Nunn 4%
Bill Bradley 3%
Undecided/Others 15%